HOD IT - BYOD

Head of IT - BYOD

Digital devices at Ōtūmoetai College

School-owned digital devices have been an important teaching and learning tool at Ōtūmoetai College for a number of years now. As the world has become more reliant on digital technology, the demand for access to learning devices has increased dramatically and students have relied on sharing school equipment.

Lifelong learning

At Ōtūmoetai College we believe that now is the right time for all students to have access to their own learning device. The ability to access digital learning tools at anytime from anywhere is an important element of enabling students to become independent, resourceful and lifelong learners.

BYOD in 2021

To this end, starting in 2021, we are introducing a “Bring Your Own Device” policy at Ōtūmoetai College for all Year 9 students.

We will be developing our blended learning programme across all years levels gradually over the next 5 years with each new Year 9 intake. Students in Year 10 and upwards are welcome to bring their own devices but this is not a requirement for 2021. 1:1 devices will enable staff to provide students with a greater opportunity to learn via electronic and online media as well as traditional faceto-face teaching (sometimes known as “blended learning”). It will also allow learning to take place anywhere, at any time, as we discovered during the recent weeks of school closure during lockdown.

We consider digital devices to be a useful tool in a student’s learning toolkit, but not the only one. Use of these devices for learning will be purposeful not aimless. They will be used to enhance nondigital ways of learning, not to replace them altogether. So they will not be used in every lesson of every subject.

Please note that phones and tablets are not approved as BYOD devices.

Chromebooks are our preferred device, though late model Windows and MacOS devices may be acceptable.

All devices must have enough battery life to last a school day without needing to be charged.

We recommend that devices are kept in a protective case or cover to protect them from damage in school bags.

There are a number of purchasing finance options

Mrs Ros Lee, Head of IT

available through retail stores.In some cases grants for the purchase of devices may be available through Work and Income. The school may be able to assist in cases of extreme hardship.

More information can be found in the enrolment section of our school website at www.otc.school.nz

BYOO Device Guidelines for 2021 (Year 9 only) BYOD - Recommended Suppliers List for 2021 (year 9 only) BYOD Device FAQs for 2021 (Year 9 only)